Company Name: Regulatory Assistance Project
Skill Level: Mid Level
Position Type: Full Time
Description
The Regulatory Assistance Project (RAP) is a non-profit organization whose mission is to help policy-makers and regulators develop and implement policies that will improve the environmental sustainability and economic efficiency of the electric sector.
RAP is headed by 5 Principals: all veteran utility regulators who advise policymakers on critical issues such as energy efficiency, power sector reform, renewable resource development, the regulation of greenhouse gas emissions, the establishment of efficient markets, performance-based ratemaking and other regulatory reforms, resource planning and portfolio management, and the nexus of environmental and energy regulation.
Formed in 1992, RAP is an international leader that has worked with public utility regulators and energy and environmental officials across the U.S. and Europe, China, Brazil, India, Namibia, Egypt, and a host of other countries.
Current changes and growth in the electric utility sector are driving increased demand for RAP's services in the U.S. and abroad. In addition, RAP has recently formed a partnership with the ClimateWorks Foundation, a new global philanthropic network dedicated to winning the battle against climate change. RAP will serve as ClimateWorks' Best Practice Network (BPN) for the public utility and electric power sector. RAP is expanding to meet the demands of this exciting new opportunity.
Position Overview:
RAP seeks an experienced manager and researcher to fill the key role of Research Manager for this quickly growing organization. The Research Manager will work closely with the RAP Principals to determine and implement organizational research priorities, with the help of our experienced team of Research and Policy Analysts. The Research Manager will oversee research at RAP and, with web and publication support from the Communications Division, information management.
The Research Manager will be responsible for ensuring that RAP's programmatic work and policy recommendations are grounded in rigorous research and quantitative analysis. The ideal candidate will be an experienced team leader, knowledge manager, and communicator, with experience managing people, complex information, and research for a growing, global organization. The Research Manager will report to the COO and/or one of the RAP Principals.
Responsibilities:
The Research Manager will:
- Work closely with the RAP Principals to help define the research priorities for the organization.
- Design and manage the implementation of all research projects, including project budgets and deadlines, delegating tasks to the Research Team members as appropriate.
- Lead, supervise, and learn from a growing team of full- and part-time researchers (presently 4 FTE) who are located in the US and abroad.
- Conduct research and analysis, including original research, and research based on secondary sources. Research priorities will cover both US and non-US markets.
- Serve as the hub and knowledge manager for all research and substantive information produced and gathered by the organization; filter tasks and assign all research resources, serving as a liaison among principals, associates, and researchers.
- Develop the processes and systems for conducting, managing, and prioritizing research tasks for RAP; continually evaluate and, as necessary, revise research processes.
- Provide or support professional development for research staff; serve as mentor and advisor to junior research staff.
- Collaborate with RAP Principals and staff to identify new research needs and opportunities for the organization.
- Develop an approach to regularly "mine" knowledge from RAP principals and staff.
- Build and manage relationships with officials in governmental, industry, public interest, and academic institutions.
- Support the design, writing, and editing of work products for the organization.
- Ensure qualitative and quantitative rigor and accuracy for all research work products.
- Collaborate with the Communications Division to develop user-friendly knowledge management systems, including databases for classifying, organizing, storing, and disseminating data and other research results.
- Take on other tasks and responsibilities as assigned.
Qualifications:
The successful applicant will have the following minimum qualifications:
- Bachelor's degree required (preferably in a quantitatively rigorous field). Master's degree or PhD preferred.
- 7+ years experience in a research role, with 3+ years in a research management role.
- Experience managing and supervising a team. Management of remote or international teams is a plus.
- Strong understanding of current energy and environmental policy issues. Familiarity with non-US markets is a plus.
- Deep experience successfully leading technically and analytically complex research projects.
- Superb research skills and attention to detail.
- Demonstrated excellence in written and oral communication.
- Diplomatic management style.
- Creativity, resourcefulness, and a professional manner.
- Ability to work under pressure, to set priorities, and to be flexible.
- Technical competence with database management as well as with MS Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Access).
- Commitment to and enthusiasm for RAP's mission.
Other Desirable Skills and Attributes:
These additional qualifications are highly desirable:
- Experience with knowledge management and library sciences.
- Experience in the energy sector.
- Experience working with a diverse and international network/coalition/organization.
- Experience managing research for a multi-office organization.
- Knowledge of climate science.
- Experience with a "start-up."
- Competence in SharePoint.
- Proficiency in a foreign language (Spanish, French, German, or Chinese in particular).
Compensation: RAP offers an excellent benefits package and a competitive salary that is commensurate with experience.
The expected start date for this position is December 2009. The position will be located in Montpelier, Vermont.
To Apply:
Interested candidates should follow this link to submit a resume, cover letter, and salary requirements. No phone calls, please.
RAP is an equal opportunity employer.
Contact Information:
http://www.raponline.org/
